In response to the growing urgency for strengthened resilience, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) introduced its National Resilience Guidance. FEMA recently released the final version of the National Resilience Guidance. This comprehensive framework is designed to foster an understanding across the whole community, spanning governments, sectors, and individuals, on the multifaceted aspects of resilience planning and implementation. 

Core Principles of the National Resilience Guidance

FEMA’s National Resilience Guidance underscores the complexity of scaling resilience nationwide. It also considers the interdependence of all facets of resilience such as climate, ecosystem, social, economic, infrastructure and disaster resilience.

Key points highlighted in the Guidance include:

  • Promotion of a Common Understanding of Resilience 
    It aims to align stakeholders towards a shared vision of resilience, outlining its significance across various facets of the community and nation. 
  • Relationship Between Chronic Stressors and Shocks 
    The Guidance identifies the crucial relationship between long-term community stressors and their capacity to withstand acute shocks. 
  • Stakeholder Roles and Responsibilities 
    It delineates the roles each community member, organization, and government entity play in fostering resilience. 
  • Actionable Approach 
    The Guidance offers practical steps toward resilience planning and implementation, ensuring stakeholders have a clear roadmap to follow. 
  • Community Resilience Maturity Model 
    A structured pathway provided within the Guidance aids communities in assessing their current level of resilience maturity and in crafting strategies for enhancement. 

Engaging the Community through Webinars

To further understand the final National Resilience Guidance, FEMA will host a series of webinars throughout September and October for community partners. These sessions are pivotal in understanding the final version through facilitated discussions encompassing the whole community.

  • Webinar 1: Tuesday, September 24, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET 
  • Webinar 2: Thursday, September 26, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET 
  • Webinar 3: Tuesday, October 1, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET 
  • Webinar 4: Wednesday, October 9, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET 

A New Climate Adaptation and Resilience Resource Center

In addition to participating in the webinars, we encourage you to explore our new Climate Adaptation and Resilience Resource Center. This is a comprehensive online center designed to offer communities tools and insights for enhancing disaster resilience, with a particular focus on climate-related events. This center provides an array of free resources, including up-to-date information on climate adaptation strategies and best practices, all curated by experts in the field. You can explore the Resource Center here. 

Visit FEMA’s website for further information on the National Resilience Guidance and to RSVP for the webinar series. Your engagement and feedback are crucial to the success of our national resilience efforts.